Concertzender Live

Today you will hear mainly Russian composers with narrative and visual music. Aleksandr Glazunov, composer and conductor, conducted his 5th symphony at the premiere, which was a success. This symphony is nicknamed ‘Heroic’, because of the sparkling and euphoric emotions it conveys.

Then we’ll hear from the Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály. His piece, the Háry János suite, was originally composed as an opera, first performed in Budapest in 1926. A year later it was transformed into a six-part orchestral suite. The story of Háry János is set in the time of Napoleon. The six movements are called: prelude: the tale begins – Viennese Clock – song – battle and defeat of Napoleon – intermezzo – entry of the emperor and his court.

The next composer is called Cherepnin, from Russia. Cherepnin was a pupil of among others Lyadov, whom we will hear later in this programme. His style is clearly influenced by Prokofiev, but his harmonic language is very original. From him we will hear Le Pavillon d’Armide.

Cherepnin’s teacher was Anatoly Lyadov. We’ll listen three pieces for orchestra he wrote, the enchanted lake, Baba-Jaga and Kikimora. As is often the case, Lyadov was inspired by stories and fairy tales for these compositions.

As long as time permits, we will listen to the encore La tragédie de Salomé by the French composer Florent Schmitt. This is a symphonic poem, based on the original ballet Schmitt wrote.